Survey Finds Most Alzheimer Victims Do Not Seek Early Help

A nationwide survey found that most Alzheimer victims do not seek early help, with the majority reaching the moderate or severe stages of the disease before they are diagnosed.

On average, most wait one year after noticing their first symptoms before they consult with their doctor, the survery found.

A lack of awareness about signs and symptoms, detection methods, and treatments may in part explain the delay, according to the Harris Interactive poll.

Sixty-seven percent of respondents were unsure of their ability to distinguish early signs of Alzheimer's disease from signs of normal aging.

One percent of respondents over age 60 said they have taken a physician-given questionnaire to identify Alzheimer's disease, although 10 percent of people over age 65 have the condition, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

More than 72 percent of respondents were unaware of treatments that can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Nearly half of the family caregivers who reported a wait of at least six months between first signs or symptoms and consultation said they would have consulted a doctor sooner had they known prescription medication was available to help delay the disease progression.

The poll was administered to more than 2,000 people age 40 and older and 500 caregivers of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

"Although much has been done to raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease, we still have a way to go in educating people about how vital it is to detect the disease in the early stages," said Dr. Steven Potkin, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Clinical Psychiatric Research at the University of California, Irvine.

"People need to know what to look for and how to take action if they notice signs. It is crucial to diagnose Alzheimer's disease early because there are treatments available that can help slow the worsening of the disease symptoms," he said.

In response to the survey's results, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) and ABC Television soap star Linda Dano are joining forces to launch a new educational initiative called "ID.A.D." (Identify Alzheimer's Disease).

"My dad suffered with Alzheimer's disease for years, but we didn't know what it was until he was in the severe stages of the illness," said Dano. "I want people to learn from my experience and get information so that this disease can be identified earlier and patients and family caregivers can get the help they need."

Free IDA.D. resource kits are available by calling toll-free 1-877-439-3566 or at www.nfcacares.org.

Other sources: Novartis